I am looking for an oceanfront hotel in key west (with balcony) in the $200-$300 range. Thanks

Southernmost Hotel at the end of Duval St.

The Ocean Key Resort at the other end of Duval... but its hard to price for you because you give no dates...

So you guys have stayed at each of these hotels? We're going the first week of December. Thanks

Yes... Southernmost is at quiet end of the Key and is a 25 minute walk from the party action...

Ocean Key is right IN the Party... Balconys overlook Sunset celebration and across from Sloppy joe's... also consider Pier House resort... next to Ocean Key

You have to decide ... quiet or party...

There are two Waldorf Astoria hotels on the Atlantic side of Key West, the Reach and the Casa Marina. They both get good reviews, but I've never stayed in either, so I can't make a recommendation one way or another. Not sure about balconys either.

Another option on the bay side is the Hyatt Resort and Marina on Front Street...it's next door to the Pier House. I can vouch for the Hyatt and the Ocean Key. Both are really nice.

We stayed at the Ocean Key two years ago in Jan. The room (actually a small suite) was gorgeous had a balcony and faced the ocean. I do remember some noise from the Sunset Pier Restaurant (live band) on the Saturday night.

The Reach and Casa Marina are fine hotels but lack the character of Key West... Balconies are available and there is a tiny man made beach, but my rooms were decorated in a Spanish style that confused me plus it was on the quiet end of the Key...

Not to nitpick, gary, but the Casa Marina first opened in 1920. Yes it's newly renovated, but I can't think of any other property on the island with that kind of history.

And the Reach has the only natural beach in Key West.

http://casamarinaresort.com/

Old Town Key West Hotels- Key West Beach Resort- The Reach A Waldorf Astoria Resort

susan... feel free to nitpik... I've never stopped you from recommending places you have never stayed at before...

gary, if you'll reread my above comment, I said, "They both get good reviews, but I've never stayed in either, so I can't make a recommendation one way or another."

Bookmarking.